ASHEBORO -- The Asheboro Regional Airport is due for a refresh. The runways have had some improvements in the last several years. Now the city wants to focus on the terminal.
"The current building was built in the 1970s, and it's just dated. It's got paneling in it and everything else. We are doing a temporary upgrade for it with possibility with using it for a flight training center," said Michael Leonard, City of Asheboro engineer.
Leaders say the current terminal limits their efforts to market what the airport has to offer.
"We've pretty much done a lot of the stuff we can do horizontally, and now we're looking to do some vertical projects to support what we've got on the ground here," said Leonard.
The new terminal will be a 22,000 square foot, two-story space. It will include some additional amenities for guests aboard the approximately 125 flights per week.
"A lot of those flights are commercial flights here to our Asheboro area to support our existing industry here. Our large employers, a lot of them have sales people that come in and out, a lot of vendors that come in and out via Asheboro Airport," said John Ogburn, City of Asheboro manager.
Officials say the planning stages are all wrapped up. Now they're looking to secure funding.
The city's set aside $1.3 million for the building.
"We'd like to pursue $3-$3.5 million of federal funding and then go back with our Randolph County partner for $1 million after we secure that funding. So that's going to bring us up to $5.5 or $6 million," said Ogburn.
It's an investment they hope sends a positive message about the area with a terminal that offers guests a warm welcome.
City of Asheboro leaders will be heading to Washington D.C. to lobby for funding in January.